Hamilton faces the sack over Abu Dhabi tactics: reports

Lewis Hamilton could be suspended or even sacked for the tactics he displayed in the season-ending Formula One race in Abu Dhabi, according to reports in Britain.

Mercedes' celebrations over Nico Rosberg's first world title were overshadowed by "anarchy" between the world champion and his British teammate.

Hamilton twice rejected team instructions to speed up as Rosberg came under threat from Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said "It's very simple: anarchy does not work in any team and in any company. A precedent has been set."

"Undermining a structure in public means you are putting yourself before the team."

British tabloids The Daily Mail and The Daily Mirror have reported that Hamilton is in danger of having his $50 million dollar contract ripped up by Mercedes.

The Daily Mirror wrote, “Lewis Hamilton is facing the sack by Mercedes after being accused of causing anarchy in Abu Dhabi.”

“Hamilton’s contract runs out in 2018 but that would not stop the German car giant ending it early or suspending him from races next season as a punishment.”

According to Wolff, Mercedes will "look at the overall situation and say 'what does it mean?' Everything is possible.

"Maybe we want to give them more freedom next year, or go with the harsher side where we feel the values were not respected. I am not sure yet where my finger is going to point or the needle is going to go."

The Telegraph and The Guardian meanwhile, believes Hamilton is more likely to be handed a more lenient punishment of a fine or suspension.

Hamilton has said Mercedes should have just let the teammates race out their rivalry.

"I don't think I did anything dangerous, I don't think I did anything unfair," said Hamilton.

"We were fighting for the championship, I was in the lead so I control the pace."

Hamilton said in a statement that he was "proud" of his performance in Abu Dhabi and the races leading up to the Grand Prix.

"The circumstances this year have not been in my favour, but I did my best and am happy with how the season ended. I'll be back stronger, and faster than ever next year," he added in the Instagram message.

Hamilton's behaviour and future relationship with Rosberg will be only one of a host of new challenges next season when Formula One ushers in a raft of rule changes and faster cars.